KLLM Receives American Spirit Award

Mississippi-based company recognized by Small Business Administration

RICHLAND, Miss. – KLLM Transport Services is one of just 14 small businesses nationwide being presented with the American Spirit Award, which recognizes outstanding efforts for disaster areas that were impacted by last year’s hurricanes.

The award, given by the United States Small Business Administration (SBA), celebrates America’s entrepreneurial spirit. KLLM will be honored during National Small Business Week (April 9 – 15) in Washington, D.C. as SBA showcases the accomplishments of outstanding businesses and individuals who helped the region to recover from disaster. Mississippi-based KLLM is one of the largest transportation companies in the southeastern United States, operating a fleet of trucks, temperature-controlled trailers and dry-haul vans.

“This award is a tribute to our company, but especially to our drivers and the employees who have been so critical to our success,” said Jim Richards, chief operating officer at KLLM. “The unprecedented scope of last year’s disaster affected so many people and businesses within our home region, and we have seen first-hand how everyone has risen to the challenges of recovery.”

Since Hurricanes Katrina, Rita, and Wilma devastated the Gulf Coast last year, KLLM carriers have shipped goods and relief supplies to affected areas. Richards said many KLLM drivers volunteered to make repeated trips to the most severely impacted areas to aid recovery.

“Our drivers are among the best in the industry,” Richards said. “Their efforts in the immediate aftermath were so important to the critical needs of the Coastal areas, and the work continues in getting needed goods and supplies to keep the recovery effort going.”

ADD ONE / KLLM RECEIVES AMERICAN SPIRIT AWARD

During the storm’s aftermath, KLLM devoted approximately 75 cargo trailers from its fleet for transporting goods and supplies to the affected areas. Working with churches, law enforcement and charities, KLLM drivers made more than 125 deliveries during the most critical period following landfall of the hurricane.

SBA spokesperson Carol Chastang said 2006 is the first year the American Spirit Award has been presented. She said KLLM will be honored along with other American Spirit Award recipients during a breakfast April 13 at the Ronald Reagan International Trade Center.

“We have annually recognized outstanding contributions to disaster recovery, but this past year was so unusual with Hurricane Katrina,” she said. “This award represents special recognition for 14 businesses and individuals who helped bring relief to the Gulf Region and assisted with recovery efforts.”

The 14 award recipients are from across the United States, some as far away as California. Chastang said no decision has been made whether SBA will make the American Spirit Award an annual presentation.

KLLM provides transport of truckload freight to customers throughout the continental United States and Mexico and maintains a fleet of company-owned tractor/trailers and owner operators. For over 40 years, KLLM has been transporting perishable commodities and dry haul cargo.